Labradorite
LABRADORITE or SPECTROLITE is famous for its iridescent blue and yellow shimmer. Named for the province of Labrador in Canada where it was first found, it is a plagioclase feldspar, and in the non-gem form, is very common. With a hardness of 6, this igneous mineral is superior to precious opal for abrasion resistance in jewelry, does not dry out and crack, and has almost a comparable 'fire'. Originally found only near Nain in northern Labrador, today Finland, Malagasy (Madagascar) and Russia produce limited amounts of gem material, where it is called spectrolite.